Jonathan David & Melissa Helser

Article from the Go Traid

2012-02-23T15:00:00.000-08:00

"This Article was taken from the "Go Traid"

written by Rebecca Warren

This is a story of love and faith, of seasons of sorrow and rejoicing.

It’s the story of Triad couple Jonathan and Melissa Helser’s passionate pursuit of a life lived fully from the heart and the songs that have been born along the way.

And, mostly, it’s an invitation to join them on the journey.

Seasons of change

“The wealth and value of our life could be easily measured not in what we produce but in the relationships we have built.”

Those are the words penned by Jonathan, 33, and Melissa, 32, that are featured inside the CD jacket of their new album, “On the Shores.”

This is the couple’s first collaborative project, with Melissa writing four of the songs, sharing lead vocals and playing acoustic guitar.

“I really believe her songs are some of the best on the album,” Jonathan said, “and I’m so honored to share this with her.

They spent the past year writing and recording the album, capturing the rhythms and changing seasons of their life. The songs are what have risen from the ashes of tested faith and their trust in God, “giving honor to the desert seasons” though which Melissa said they have walked.

More than a song

Jonathan met Melissa at ministry school in Charlotte in 1998. They married in the spring of 2000. She was 20, and he was 21.

“We met and fell in love really fast,” Jonathan said. “When we met, if you would have told me we would record an album together, I wouldn’t have believed you.”

Jonathan picked up a guitar and started writing songs in his late teens. Melissa also played guitar and sang a little, but a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis at the age of 17 made playing the guitar difficult, if not impossible.

“When I was diagnosed, the doctor said I would never play the guitar,” she said. “Fast-forwarding to now, it’s a miracle I even play and write music and that I can even hold the strings down.”

In 2008, nearly a year after starting on a breakthrough medication that Melissa said has transformed her life, she began gradually to regain strength in her hands. To mark the occasion, Jonathan bought her a 1979 Guild guitar as a gift for their ninth wedding anniversary in 2009.

The first night that she had the guitar, Melissa wrote “Explode My Soul,” one of the songs featured on “On the Shores.”

“It would be hard to separate our journey with my sickness,” she said. “It’s been the most beautiful and most terrible part. A lot of my songs have been written as I’ve walked out of a desert.

“I wrote them to be able to process seven years of a lot of intensity and really wrote these songs to say to the Lord what maybe I couldn’t say and to communicate something that maybe I couldn’t just talk about. Those songs have been my anthem — they’ve become part of me waking up.”

Jonathan said that through those difficult seasons, he and Melissa were often singing themselves into believing.

“Without tension, there is no music,” he said. “Without guitar strings having tension, they can’t sing. There’s tension in circumstances. But in it, he (God) is good, and he will be better than we can imagine.”

Full of rich layers, including piano, hammer dulcimer and multipart vocal harmonies, the songs of “On the Shores” often stray from predictable chord progressions, taking on melodies and moment that feel like an anthem and a prayer.

“I love the artistic side of writing and crafting a song,” Jonathan said, “but I also love the experiential side of stepping into a moment and experiencing the moment in the music.”

Their band, which Jonathan said is not just a band but some of their “best friends in the world,” includes musicians who are living life with the Helsers in Sophia and on the road.

The result is an album that carries the sound of what Jonathan and Melissa call “a family traveling and living together.”

Living from the heart

The threads of family and friends are woven throughout the Helsers’ story, creating a tapestry that reflects years invested in strengthening existing relationships and forming new ones.

Some of those relationships come through traveling around the world to lead worship at camps, church events and ministry schools, but most of them have been built here in the Triad.

On 52 acres set among rolling hills and farmland in Sophia, is A Place for the Heart. Property that was once woods is now dotted with 10 buildings, including a darkroom and art studio. It has been called a farm, a retreat center and a school. But to the Helser family and a handful of full-time staff and interns, it’s home.

It’s where Jonathan grew up, where he and Melissa were married 12 years ago and where they’re raising their 9-year old son, Cadence, and 6-year-old daughter, Haven. Oak from the property is incorporated throughout the house they built five years ago next to Jonathan’s parents’ house.

Each summer, it’s where 24 college students from around the world come to participate in the 18 Inch Journey, a creative worship school founded and led by Jonathan and Melissa. Named for the 18-inch span between the head and the heart, the school is a place where the difference of a life lived from the heart rather than the head is experienced rather than taught and where the difference between knowing facts about God and truly knowing him is explored.

Melissa said that many people ask what exactly it is — if it’s an art or music school. Although it offers classes in music, art and photography, the school is described by Melissa as “a school of the heart.” Classes taught by the Helsers and guest lecturers provide students with opportunities to learn more about who they are and, in the process, awaken their creativity.

“More than anything, we invite them into community” she said. “We really want them to have a heart transformation. We’re inviting them into a safe place to let all the walls of insecurity come down so they can discover who they are without the craziness and chaos.

“Our dream is that a generation will find out who they are.”

Where creativity and hearts intersect

In the course of living life at A Place for the Heart, creativity and hearts often intersect. It’s in those moments, Jonathan said, that the greatest works have been created by poets and artists — creating things beyond what they could ever imagine.

Sharing those moments with students and staff is a gift that the Helsers don’t take for granted. Jonathan describes it as the roots of what they do, with their music being the branches.

“I don’t think we could do what we do in music if we weren’t pouring into the students who come here,” Melissa said.

All of the proceeds from their music go to A Place for the Heart, and they hope eventually to build some new spaces while continuing to use every existing space to the fullest.

In the midst of the ministry and music, family is always first for the Helsers, who are living and loving without reservation.

“Our kids have been a significant part of everything we’ve done,” Melissa said. “Our children are the center of our world. I want my kids to live an extraordinary life. If I can teach them to love people, we’ve done it all.

“It wouldn’t be enough to just stand on a stage. We’re sustained in community and in our family rhythms. To be able to be married and raise kids in the middle of it is awesome. To travel with our kids and for them be able to take part in changing lives is a beautiful gift from the Lord.”

Written by Rebecca Warren at becca.l.warren@gmail.com

I didn't know God could be so good

2012-02-20T20:19:00.001-08:00

At the beginning of this year, the Lord spoke to my heart and said "This will be a year where you find yourself constantly saying, I didn't know God could be this good."

A few days later I was on an island in the middle of the Pacific ocean, lost in a moment of worship, with an incredible community called "Fire and Fragrance." I love those moments in worship, when you transcend into that secret place of His heart. The place where you are no longer singing, but the Father is singing over you. Here are the lyrics I heard Him singing over my heart and the heart of a generation.

Look at the nations
I'm gonna do something
Great in your days
You wouldn't believe it
Even if I told you
Watch and be amazed

I want these dreams, Even more than you
Faith is when, you believe that I do

In these days, you will say, I didn't know God could be so good

Go ahead and try Me
You can ask
For anything you want
But I promise
That I am gonna
Give you more than you ever thought

In these days, you will say, I didn't know God could be so good

Earth Like Heaven- Song Story

2012-02-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

In the Autumn of 2010 I was sitting at table in Dublin, Ireland, with some great fathers of the faith. All these men could talk about was the kingdom of heaven coming to earth. I felt like one of the hobbits in the presence of Gandalf and Aragorn. A phrase kept swirling around the table that "We were created to bring the fruitfulness of the garden into the barrenness of the earth." When we left the table a whisper of more was pulling on my heart and the hope of the age to come was calling me. Later that evening we gathered with 300 fiery eyed missionaries, the same size as Gideon's army. We wasted the entire evening worshiping God. During the night we kept singing this spontaneous song over and over, "We won't be satisfied, till the earth looks just like heaven." I was ruined by that night of worship in Dublin and haven't been the same since.

A few months later we were sitting around my kitchen table telling our friend Elijah some of these stories from Dublin. As Melissa was sharing a story, the spontaneous song from Dublin began to fill my heart again. I immediately got up from the table and grabbed my guitar. I suddenly found myself in one of those incredible moments as a song writer, when you transition beyond just writing a song and shift into receiving a song. Within a few minutes this song effortlessly came and weeks later we recorded this song titled "Earth like Heaven."

Right now you can preview this song at www.jonathanhelser.com or you can pre order our new album "On the Shores" with "Earth Like Heaven."

Here are the lyrics

Earth Like Heaven

The dust that we were made of, is calling us to free them
The earth that we were pulled from, its crying liberate us

We won’t be satisfied till the earth looks just like heaven

Like water cover the sea,
let the earth be filled with your glory
Till the prayers your prayed become reality
and the earth looks just like heaven

Wake up, Sons and Daughters,
we were made for so much more
Wake up, Sons and Daughters,
start singing creations waiting

Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
till the earth looks just like heaven

Wreckingball- Song Story

2012-02-05T22:29:00.000-08:00

I love how kids are not very good at being religious. A while ago my son Cadence and I were playing in the yard. Completely out of the blue he says, "Dad, you need to write some new songs, because you other ones are getting old." After my ego got over the shock of being punched in the guts, I laughed and replied, "Well, why don't you ask God to give me some new songs." Without hesitation, Cadence says out loud, "God give daddy some new songs, he really needs some new ones." I really love the confidence that my son has that nothing is impossible.

Later that day, Cadence and I were hanging out in the house, he was playing with his new legos and I was playing with my toy; A Jerry Jones baritone electric guitar. All of a sudden I felt the Lord say to me, "What does it look in the eyes of your Son for heaven to invade earth." I love when God speaks one thought and suddenly a whole train of thoughts flash into your mind. I first thought about the way my son, like most boys, loves explosions. Then I thought about the time when Jesus said the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. Then I started strumming a few chords on the guitar and this phrase just slipped out of my mouth, "Let heaven fall like a wrecking ball and crush every plan of enemy." As I begin to sing those words, a melody begin to form and suddenly Cadence laid down his legos and we were singing the new song he had just asked God for.

"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand, To execute vengeance....." Psalm 149:6-7

Right now you can preview the track of "Wreckingball" at www.jonathanhelser.com or you can pre order our new album "On the Shores" with the track "WreckingBall" on it at www.jonathanhelser.com

New Songs

2012-02-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

Over the next few weeks as we lead up to the release of "On the Shores" we will be putting two new songs at a time on our website music player. This week you can check out "Wrecking Ball" and "Explode My Soul". Enjoy!

January Support Update

2012-01-26T20:11:00.000-08:00

     In the early days of "A Place for the Heart's" history, we had an old, wise prophet give us a visit. As we showed him around the brand new ministry, we were longing for him to speak God's words over the land. As the tour passed the prophets lips remained quiet. As his visit came to an end and we were saying our goodbyes, the prophet finally spoke up and said in his wonderful British accent, "When the root goes deep, the fruit will be sweet"

     This year "A Place for the Heart" will be 27 years old, and the old prophets words are coming to pass. These last few years I have had the privilege of traveling all over the globe, but the sweetest fruit of my life is what happens on this piece of land in Sophia. This summer we will host our fifth "18 Inch Journey." The number of students who come to this school is small, but the fruit is huge. This December we ended our third year of internships for "18 Inch Journey" students. The number of interns is even smaller than the students at the school, but the fruit is even greater. Our culture is always looking for big numbers to define success. What if heaven defines success by fruitfulness. Could one of the most fruitful things that Jesus did while he walked the earth be the three years of relationship he poured into those twelve boys?

     Roots are hidden from the eyes of men. They sink themselves into the unseen and find their source in the secret place. How I wish each of you could see what happens to the hearts of those who come to our schools and internships. Our roots have truly tapped into the deep places of a generations heart and they are being changed forever. As we launch into our 27th year, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude to those of you who have sown into this place. May the roots go deeper in the days ahead and the fruit become even sweeter....for this is my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit.

If you would like to partner with us you can find out more by clicking here

New album coming so very soon!

2012-01-13T13:20:00.000-08:00

We just confirmed the date for the CD release on February, 25th. Stephen Roach and a surprise guest will be opening the night. More details coming next week!

New Podcast: The Great Returning

2011-12-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

We are the perfect picture of heaven and earth. We were made from the dust of the earth and we came alive when the kiss of God touched our lips and filled us with the breath of heaven. The primary definition of worship in Greek and Hebrew is to bow down and touch the ground with reverence. Worship is the great returning to our origin; dust on the lips of God. Worship is the place were heaven and earth become one.

Click here to download our new podcast "The Great Returning"

You're Never Giving Up-Song Tutorial

2011-11-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

Here is a new song tutorial on how to play "You're Never Giving Up." Although this song is simple be careful playing it, I have been wrecked by the affections of God on numerous occasions while playing. Its crazy how God can hide His gigantic love in such small and simple things.

If you would like to order a Kyser Partial Capo you can find them online here at this link

You can find this video at http://youtu.be/366K_G3bWsk

Intimacy - Song Tutorial

2011-11-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

I have always loved how alternate tunings can inspire new songs. When I discovered that a partial capo can give you the sound of an alternate tuning, without the hassle of retuning your guitar, I was in love. In the next few months we are going to release a few videos on how to play some of the songs I have written, using partial capos. Most of the songs are very simple, but I hope they will inspire you to write your own songs and discover new sounds.

You can find the video at http://youtu.be/uVdRMQmO7Lg

Guest Blog w/ David Burbach

2011-10-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

This blog post is from David Burbach, a multi talented member of our staff. He is the brains and creativity behind all our videos, podcasts, websites and media. He has helped us pioneer and led the 18 inch journey. He is an incredible assistant to us and most importantly one of the most loyal friends I have ever known. This beautiful blog is about a sailing adventure I skippered with the men of "A place for the heart" a few weeks ago. These beautiful photos are also the work of David's hands.

“If a man would learn to pray, let him go to sea” - unknown

While I by no means claim to know the depths of prayer to which a man may delve to in the midst of the sea, I did get to experience a small taste of her potency. Last weekend the men of A Place for the Heart took our annual sailing adventure. There’s certainly something addictive and wonderful about riding up and down on the swells. Something lovely about the creak of the ropes and the cries of the gulls. Something spellbinding in the gray clouds and green sea. Somewhere in the long line of my father’s must’ve been a sailor. - David Burbach

*click here to view pictures.

*originally published on welivefreephotography.com

God's Laughter

2011-10-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

Imagine the sound of God laughing. Its almost like trying to envision a color your eyes have never seen. David slipped into a place of knowing God in such a real way that he heard "the One who sits enthroned in Heaven laughing" at the schemes of the enemy. (Psalm 2:4) I love how I can recognize the sound of a close friend's laughter in a crowd. David had ears to hear God in the middle of crowd.

There are a lot of DVD's I am looking forward to watching in heaven. One replay I want to see is the day the Philistine blacksmiths wielded the sword for their giant Goliath. When we watch this replay, I think the sound of the Lords laughter will drowned out the sound of the blacksmiths hammer forging the massive sword. I can almost see the Lord gathering the angels and saying, "Look, the sword they think will defeat their enemies, will be the sword that will defeat them." David took the sword that the giant pointed at him, and removed the head of the giant. God laughs at His enemies, because His goodness is so good, it can always turn what His enemies meant for evil into victory. Even the cross the enemy sought to destroy the dream of God with, become the doorway to usher the fulness of God's dream into all mankind. Graham Cooke said it this way, "If the enemy would have known what the death of Jesus would accomplish, he would have tried to kill every one that was trying to kill Jesus." I want to live a life that causes the enemy to regret ever pointing His sword in the direction of one of God's beloved.

New Albums Coming Soon

2011-10-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

Last fall, Melissa and I gathered together our band, a few extra musicians and our favorite producer, engineer and master mind Elijah Mosely. These guys not only make great music, but they happen to be some of our best friends in the world. We moved all the furniture out of our living room, and gathered together for a week, to arrange, rehearse and get 12 new songs ready to record in the studio. In that week we played lots of music, drank many pots of coffee, came up with some great ideas, and a few bad ones, laughed a lot and got wrecked by the presence of the Lord. By the end of the week, we were ready to go into the studio and record this new set of songs. The major problem we encountered, is that we releaized we could not fit all this music onto one album. If you have heard our music, you know we love the extended moments of worship and getting lost in the presence of the Lord. What we have decided to do for this new set of songs is create three albums. The first album we are going to release is a collection of the 12 songs in beautiful song length version. The remaining two albums to be released later in 2012 will be a collection of the songs in their extended length, prophetic moments of worship and a handful of spontaneous songs. We will be posting all the details with release dates soon. We are busy right now mixing these three albums of music. Its kinda like going to the hospital to have a baby and then finding out your gonna have triplets. So please have mercy upon us, it takes a while to mix so much music.

18 inch Journey

2011-08-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

"Any fool can count the seeds in a apple. Only God can count all the apples in one seed"
               -Robert H. Schuller

This summer we hosted our fourth 18 inch Journey with 38 students and staff from all over the world. They came from South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, and over half a dozen states. I could fill a book describing each moment we experienced this summer, but really, that would be like counting the seeds in the apple. This school was truly a time where lives opened like seeds and unfolded into the fullness of what God made them to be. The fruit of this summer can only be measured in eternity. I wish I could describe with words the way the kingdom of heaven invades this school, but I come to the same dilemma as Jesus. Over a dozen times Jesus says the phrase, "The kingdom of heaven is like..." Mere human words can not explain heaven. Words can just point to what is is like and your heart must open its eyes to see its indescribable wonder. I asked some of our students to share what there 18 inch journey was like, I hope you can taste fruit of heaven in their words.

"The best way I can think to describe the 18 inch journey is that it's like everything was taken and stripped down to the basic colors; primary yellow, red, and blue. And then those were taken and re-exploded into a myriad of colors, including countless new ones I had never known existed I feel like I have always instinctively known that worship like this existed; that community like this existed; that being loved by God like this existed…but now I have seen and experienced it, and I am forever changed."

                -Ella Roselt, South Africa

"The 18 inch Journey has truly been a trip from my head to my heart. It has been a place where I found and discovered who God Is and has always been, and who I am and what I was always meant to be. My relationship with the Trinity has become more real than words on a page. I've walked out of keeping a "safe" distance and walked into close and honest intimacy with the Lord. The 18 inch Journey has opened my eyes to see that my heart matters and that I have a voice. I've come to know and be lead by the nature of God, depending on him moment to moment. I've come to truly see with the eyes of my heart and to encounter God in the ordinary and simple things. Words can't describe the freedom, weightlessness and rest I have experienced. I've come to know what God's family looks like and what it means to fight for each other."

                   -Jordan Wilson, Florida

"My favorite moment at the 18 inch Journey was the morning I learned to hear the voice of God. It started with a simple task that Melissa asked us to do during our quiet time. She asked us to go sit and simply ask God, "Father, what are your thoughts about me?" In my mind I thought of some things, but God had a different plan. As soon as my pen touched my paper I started writing things that I knew weren't my voice. Through that simple question he ended up answering so many more questions. This was my first time journaling and being confident that it was God's voice I heard and not mine. I now love quiet time with Papa because it is an actual conversation instead of just me speaking."

                  -Camryn Cornett, Tennessee

For more info about the 18 inch Journey Click here

The Reward-A Song Story

2011-08-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

I was riding in the back of an old astro van cruising westward on I-40 to Nashville in the spring of 2005. Faster than the cars passing our old van, a story of revival was racing through my heart. It was the story of the first two Moravian missionaries. In 1732 a Dutch ship left the Copenhagen harbor bound for the Danish West Indies. On board were these two young missionaries ready to sell their lives into slavery to reach the slaves of the West Indies with the gospel. As the ship slipped away from the harbor they stood on the bow of the boat and cried out "May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering." Their voices rang in the ears of their families and loved ones gathered at the harbor to say good bye. Soon this cry become the rallying call for all Moravian missionaries.

As this story ripped through me and this cry rang in my heart, a melody begin to grow wings inside me. I grabbed my guitar and before the van reached Nashville this song was written.

In a garden we fell, but in a garden he prayed,
Not my will but yours be done.
My sins he became so I could be like him
To go beyond the veil and see his face

The cross has made a way so we can enter in
To go back to the garden once again
The cross has made a way, forever I will say
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

Worthy, Worthy,
Worthy is Lamb that was slain
To receive the reward of his suffering
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

Receive the reward, Oh Lamb of God

You can find this song on itunes by clicking here

God Time

2011-05-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

The two most important things that I want to teach my children are to: To know God's love and to know God's voice. I am grateful beyond words to have had a mother and father who have taught me how to know God's love and hear God's voice. I am so excited to announce that my father Ken Helser will be teaching a workshop at the "Cageless Birds Worship Gathering" called "God Time." This workshop will be a time to know more of God's love and hear more of God's voice. He describes the workshop like this-

"Do you ever secretly struggle with HOW to spend time with the Lord? As Disciples of Christ, we know we are called to draw close to Him, but at times we don’t know “HOW”....so our times with Him can feel dry and even burdensome. At times this leaves us approaching Him out of guilt and obligation. But HE came to give us ABUNDANT LIFE in every way, and wants a satisfying relationship with YOU! But the question remains: “How do you have GOD Time? And how do you have a GOD Time that you enjoy?"

You can find out more info about the God Time workshop with Ken Helser at www.aplacefortheheart.org

Cageless Birds

2011-05-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

In Acts 16 Paul and Silas were chained to prison walls, but they lifted their voices and sang. The freedom they sang about was more real then the chains that held them. The walls of the prison had to bow to the reality of the freedom in their song. Not only did their song set them free, but it set all the prisoners free. Like birds released from their cage Paul and Silas flew out of their prison on the melodies they sang. On June 17-18 we will be hosting a two day worship gathering to inspire a generation to fly out of the cages of fear into the heart of God. Go to www.aplacefortheheart.org for more info.

Long Story Short

2011-03-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

In the fall of 2007 Melissa and I went into the studio with the plan of tracking a new worship album, but the Lord hijacked our plans with his dream. When we thought the songs were coming to an end, Jesus walked through the walls of the studio and we realized the songs were just beginning. The songs that we thought would only last a few minutes turned into ten and fifteen minute experiences. At the end of those days in the studio we had collected two albums full of spontaneous and unplanned moments where heaven collided with our hearts. We released the albums later that year as "The Reward" and "Walk through the Walls." Within those two albums of extended worship are eleven songs that were forged and crafted in the eight years leading up to the moment the record light clicked on. The songs were fashioned in a wilderness and found in the middle

of storms. They are the songs of a journey. This year we decided to go back and collect the eleven songs from the extended moments of worship. We remixed and remastered them into beautiful and simple song length versions. I love the way a song can squeeze the beauty of eternity into a few minutes. This collection of songs tells the story of our journey. This is our long story short.

You can pre-order this album at our online store at www.jonathanhelser.com

-Jonathan David 2011

Abba is on itunes.....

2011-03-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

Abba is on itunes waiting for you......Click here to download Abba on itunes

South Africa....

2011-03-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

Next month my band and I are flying over the Atlantic Ocean to the beautiful nation of South Africa. We are meeting up with two of my favorite people in whole world, Suzy and Kamran Yaraei, to host a school of worship in the city of Johannesburg. Suzy and I have been dreaming about going to the nations together for years. This trip is the fulfillment of lots of prayers and prophetic words. I can hardly wait to see what PaPa is going to do. You can find out more info about the school at the link below.

www.centralparks.co.za

The evenings of April 14-15th are nights where we will waste the evenings worshiping the Lord and anyone is welcome. If you live in South Africa you need to be there, if you don't live in South Africa book some tickets.....

Order the "Abba" Single

2011-02-24T14:23:00.000-08:00

Abba |ˈäbä; ˈabä|

noun

(in the New Testament) an intimate term for God as father.

ORIGIN via Greek from Aramaic ‛abbā ‘daddy.’

I wrote this song from a prayer of Brennan Manning in his book "The Furious Longing of God." The prayer is just five simple words: Abba, I belong to you. He tells you to take this prayer into a quiet place and with the rhythm of the your breathing inhale Abba and exhale I belong to you. As I began to pray this prayer the love of God began to wreck my heart. I realized that Jesus began a revolution with one word. When he said the word Father he changed everything. Now he has invited us into this reality, into this place of belonging. To call God our Daddy, our Papa, our Abba.

This limited edition single is a eleven and half minute version of "Abba" The album opens with a beautiful piano intro and flows into an extended experience of worship. This album also includes a message on worship called "Worship Echo's"

To Order this album click here

Born to do great things

2011-02-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

I have never had great success writing music, by trying really hard to write music. Most of the music I have written is what accidentally falls out of my lips when I find myself helpless in His Presence. The times when I try to whip up some great lyrics or melodies, it doesn't happen. It is in the moments when I get lost in the great love He has for me that songs beyond my reach flow out effortlessly.

I have discovered that I often stumble into singing the breakthrough I am going to need for the journey ahead. Many times I have looked back at the songs I wrote years before and realized that they contain the keys I need for my current season. When I wrote "I Will Not Be Silent" I was just running after the heart of God and shouting at the giants who were trying to silence my voice. At the time it seemed like a very simple song. Almost six years later I am just starting to unpack the revelation that God crammed into that song for me. The first and second verse go something like this:

I will not be silent
I was born to worship
I will not be quiet
the voice of fear will hold me back no more
I will not give up
what is my inheritance
I was born to do great things
God is alive, He is inside of me.

I used to be afraid to speak in public. You know why I wrestled with that fear? Because the enemy fears the voice God has given me. Fear comes against us because the enemy is afraid of us. The exact places where we are created to do great things are the same places the enemy targets us with fear.

A few weeks ago I had the honor to share this message at an amazing school called "Fire and Fragrance" in Kona, Hawaii. The school is apart of the incredible mission movement called Y.W.A.M. that has been carrying the heart of God to the nations for over fifty years.

You can find out more about YWAM and Fire and Fragrance at www.fireandfragrance.com

You can hear the message I shared at "Fire and Fragrance" on our latest podcast by clicking here

A Mighty Raucous Evening

2011-01-16T16:30:00.000-08:00

Mr. Webster defines the word "catalyst" as: an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action. If I could use one word to describe my friend John Mark McMillan's music; It would be the word catalyst. The sound that flows out of John Mark's heart and guitar is significantly changing what we thought worship was or could be. John Mark is launching something new this spring called "A Mighty Raucous Evening" Its more than just a tour, its about creating an expectation for something new. To find out more click here- www.johnmarkmcmillan.wordpress.com

Sing Winter

2011-01-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

Don't be afraid of the silence. God may be doing more when you can not hear him, than when he is speaking. Redemption comes like the silent snow that falls while we sleep. You wake up and the entire landscape has changed. The dark and barren colors of winter are transformed into a bright white glory that almost blinds you. When you look out the window you see a brand new world. The snowflakes echo the silent redemption plan of a King who came as a baby. A baby who became the Savior and who stood silent as a lamb before the shearer. His silent sacrifice covered the whole earth in redemption that turned the crimson stains as white as snow.

My wife and I bought our son Cadence a ukulele for Christmas. A few nights before Christmas, when we were supposed to be wrapping his present, we started writing a song on his ukulele. The song was about the snowflakes falling and winters silent song. The next morning after breakfast we slipped into the bedroom to finish the song. As we were finishing the last verse of the song, we were interrupted by the joyful squeals of my two children playing outside. We looked out our window and were astonished to see them playing in a surprise snow storm. None of the weather reports had even mentioned the slightest chance of snow. We could hardly believe that the snow started falling as we finished the last verse of the song. This little video was filmed from our back porch just a few minutes later.

Sing Winter

Hear the snowflakes falling, winter's calling my name.
The silent song she's singing, what's she trying to say

Can I fall like glory, to wash your year away
All that remains was, really meant to stay

Come and clothe me winter, I really need a change
With silent redemption, cover me in grace

Hear the song of beauty, melodies and sounds
Cover you in white love, a joy you lost but now you found

Sing, sing, winter, sing me your silent song.

Upcoming Night of Worship

2011-01-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

Last month we gathered at Grace Church in High Point, NC for a night of worship. It was one of those nights when the Lord hijacked every moment with His love. Come and join us on January 28th. Our agenda is His Presence and our desire is to waste this night pouring our love out upon Him.

For more info go to www.aplacefortheheart.org